I’m feeling the pull of the 2020 Bass Tracker Classic

[Elkins45]

I own two boats now: a Lowe 1648 Jon with a 9.9 that I use on small local F&W owned lakes. I’ve had it for 20 years now. I also have a 16 ft G3 deep V (2007) with a 50 Yamaha 2-stroke that I bought three years ago. The boat was essentially new when I bought it and everything still works perfectly. I was at Bass Pro yesterday buying some spinner blades and it jogged my memory about these boats. With an upgrade to a 50hp it looks like they end up being around 12K after all the fees.  I like my V for rough water but I miss the casting platform and general fishing characteristics of a bass boat.

 

It would look silly having three boats in the yard so I would probably sell the G3 for around $6000. The net result would be a new boat with a warranty for 6K.

 

G3 vs Bass Tracker hull, Yamaha (2 stroke) vs Mercury (4 stroke)  outboard... I’m not sure I would be moving in a positive direction with the motor but I would be giving up a riveted hull for a welded one that allegedly has a lifetime warranty. Trolling motor is a wash, electronics would definitely be better.

 

Decisions, decisions...

 

What’s the closest sales outlet to where they are made? I could save myself a few hundred in freight cost if I drive to Springfield, MO to buy one. Is there somewhere even closer to the factory? 

[HenryPF]

Aren't you just buying your 1648 with steering wheel, carpet, deck and livewell if you buy a classic? They almost have the same specs.

[Elkins45]

4 minutes ago, HenryPF said:

Aren't you just buying your 1648 with steering wheel, carpet, deck and livewell if you buy a classic? They almost have the same specs.

Well, sorta, I guess. Higher HP capacity and a wider bottom. That’s not a horrible thing really. The 1648 is my dedicated small lake boat because the local ones are 10HP limited. I once mounted a 15hp on it and crossed Kentucky Lake in late afternoon when the wind was up. That’s when it dawned on me I was in a Jon boat and not a bass boat.

 

I suspect the classic wouldn’t be nearly as scary in rough water. It’s presumably a more sturdy hull. But you do raise a good point.

[FreeDivr]

Decision is yours obviously but deep down I think you want it lol!

I love my classic, I have the 2019. My son and I have already had great memories on it. I describe it as the “working mans” bass boat. Just enough of everything at an affordable price. The 50hp scoots it along great too. Good luck and tight lines.

[Loochy88]

On 3/2/2020 at 7:36 PM, Elkins45 said:

Well, sorta, I guess. Higher HP capacity and a wider bottom. That’s not a horrible thing really. The 1648 is my dedicated small lake boat because the local ones are 10HP limited. I once mounted a 15hp on it and crossed Kentucky Lake in late afternoon when the wind was up. That’s when it dawned on me I was in a Jon boat and not a bass boat.

 

I suspect the classic wouldn’t be nearly as scary in rough water. It’s presumably a more sturdy hull. But you do raise a good point.

I use my 2019 classic regularly on the Niangua arm of Lake of the Ozarks.  Never felt uncomfortable.  Its a 17 foot aluminum boat, and you have to be smart about when you take it out, but it handles a little chop just fine.